Mariam Farooqi
Oct 7th 2024
۔A Legacy of Justice and Kindness: Muslim Treatment of Jews and Christians before 1947.
Justice is Central to Islam
Islamic civilization has long stood as a model for tolerance, justice, and protection of religious minorities, particularly Jews and Christians. For over a millennium, Muslims provided safe havens for persecuted communities across Europe, Africa, and Asia, allowing them to live, work, and worship freely under Islamic governance. This practice is deeply rooted in the teachings of Islam, which emphasize justice and respect for all human beings, regardless of their faith.
The Qur’an provides clear guidance on this, stating:
Let there be no compulsion in religio (Qur’an 2:256).
This verse reflects the Islamic commitment to religious freedom and sets the foundation for the just
treatment of non-Muslims under Islamic rule. It underscores the importance of respecting the beliefs of
others, ensuring that people are free to practice their religion without force or coercion.
As Muslims, we believe in giving all people their due rights. It is essential to emphasize that all human
beings should be treated with respect and dignity. We learn from the sunnah of our beloved Prophet
Muhammad (SAW) that we are to:
“Give everything its due right.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 1968)
These teachings serve as a reminder that justice is central to Islam and must be practiced in all aspects
of life, guiding our interactions with individuals of all faiths and backgrounds.
Early Islamic Governance: Justice and Protection
One of the earliest and most notable examples of this principle in action was during the caliphate of
Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), who established the Pact of Umar. This treaty guaranteed the safety, religious freedom, and security of property for Jews and Christians (known as dhimmis) living under Muslim rule.
It ensured that non-Muslim communities were treated with dignity and justice, with their rights to worship and maintain their properties fully protected.
In the Bible, divine teachings also emphasize justice. The Torah states:
“Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt” (Exodus 22:21).
Similarly, the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament states:
So, in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you" (Matthew 7:12).
These divine words from the Torah and the Gospel align with the Quranic principles of justice and
mercy, reflecting a shared commitment across Abrahamic faiths to honor the dignity of all people.
Al-Andalus: A Golden Age of Coexistence
During the reign of the Muslims in Al-Andalus (modern-day Spain and Portugal), the region became a beacon of multicultural harmony. For centuries, Jews, Christians, and Muslims lived together in peace, contributing to a vibrant cultural and intellectual environment. Jewish communities thrived, contributing
significantly to advancements in medicine, philosophy, and the sciences. Jewish scholars like Maimonides rose to prominence under Muslim protection and patronage.
Ottoman Empire: Refuge for Persecuted Jews.
The Ottoman Empire also demonstrated its commitment to justice and kindness towards non-Muslims.
When the Spanish Inquisition led to the expulsion of Jews in 1492, the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid II issued a decree inviting Jewish refugees into his empire, where they could live in peace. The Jews settled in Ottoman cities like Istanbul and Salonika, contributing to the cultural and economic growth of the
empire. This act of compassion was not an isolated event. The Ottomans, guided by Islamic principles, continued to uphold the rights of Jews and Christians for centuries, allowing them to flourish in various sectors of society.
World War II: Muslim Courage in Protecting Jews
Even during the turbulence of World War II, Muslims stood by the principles of justice and protection. In Morocco, Sultan Mohammed V refused to surrender his Jewish citizens to the Nazis. Similarly, Muslims in Albania and Bosnia provided shelter to Jewish families, sometimes at great personal risk. The Grand Mosque of Paris even issued false Muslim identity papers to protect Jews from Nazi persecution.
The Decline Post-1947
This historical legacy of coexistence and protection was disrupted after 1947, following the creation of
the state of Israel and the displacement of Palestinian Muslims during the Nakba. The conflict that arose
from this political situation replaced centuries of mutual respect with animosity, driven largely by
territorial and nationalist struggles. However, the pre-1947 period remains a testament to how Islamic
governance provided a model of peace, justice, and protection for religious minorities.
Conclusion
Islamic history shows a profound commitment to justice and kindness, particularly toward Jews and Christians. Today’s Muslims continue to call for the same rights of honor and peace for the betterment of humanity, striving to create a world where mutual respect and justice are upheld. By drawing on this rich historical legacy, Muslims aspire to make this world a better place for all.
References:
Yasir Qadhi Discussion on Muslim-Jewish Relations (YouTube Lecture).
Wikipedia: Article on Jewish-Muslim Relations Through History
Overview of Muslim Protection of Jews during WWII(YouTube)
Islamic heritage month- Ajax ICNA Canada
